Did You Just Call My Pet "Geriatric"?

Many people know that pets age faster than people, or have heard the old saying that 1 dog year is equivalent to 7 human years.  Dogs and cats age at varying rates based on their size and breed, with smaller breed dogs and cats having longer lifespans, and larger breed dogs having shorter lifespans.

At Valley Veterinary Service, we consider any pet over 8 years of age to be a senior.   This may seem slightly arbitrary since a Great Dane and a Chihuahua will technically reach this stage of maturity at different ages based on their breed.  However, 8 years old is around the average, which we use to easily encompass all of our patients and help to simplify our recommendations.

So now that your pet is getting older, what can be done to help keep them comfortable, happy, and healthy throughout their golden years?  Just as your dog required different care as a puppy than they did as an adult, care for a senior pet is in a category all of its own, and you may need to think about making a few changes.     

Consider switching to a senior formula diet.  These diets tend to be lower in fat and calories to prevent obesity, higher fiber to aid in GI health and to help prevent constipation issues, and have higher-quality protein sources to help maintain muscle mass without putting too much strain on the kidneys.  Some senior formulas have added supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate for joint health.

Have your pet checked by the vet with semi-annual exams. Pets age much faster than people.  Twice a year exams are recommended to help detect any issues quickly, in the early stages, when there may be more treatment options.  The doctor will check for cataracts and vision problems, periodontal disease, heart and lung problems, enlarged lymph nodes, lumps and bumps, pain, stiffness, or decreased range of motion in joints, monitor blood pressure, and palpate the abdomen for any discomfort, irregularly shaped or enlarged organs, or potential masses.  The majority of pets will not start to show signs of illness or disease until it has already started to progress.  For many senior pet health concerns, early detection is key to successful treatment.

Add in daily supplements.  Daily nutritional supplements can have a wide variety of benefits to help your pet age gracefully.  The sooner these supplements are started, the better they will work.

-Glucosamine/chondroitin: These supplements help to lubricate joints, ease pain and inflammation in joints, and slow down the progression of arthritis.

-Fish oil: The omega fatty acids, EPA and DHA, in fish oils have been found to help support joints, kidney and heart health, brain function and memory, and the immune system. 

-Probiotics: Basically live bacteria and yeast, probiotics help to support the overall health and wellness of your pet, keep the GI track healthy, help lower cholesterol levels, and boost the immune system. 

Consider running routine blood work. Running blood work when your pet is healthy gives us a normal baseline for your pet and helps the doctor monitor for trends or changes that can indicate early stages of disease when they are more manageable or easily treated.  A CBC (complete blood count) and biochemistry panel are recommended annually to monitor red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet counts, hydration status, electrolyte balance, kidney, liver, and pancreas function, and to screen for diseases such as diabetes, Cushing’s disease, and some types of cancer.  Blood work may be recommended more often if your pet is taking certain medications or if we are treating a problem.

Monitor for weight loss or weight gain. Typically as pets get older they become less active and their metabolism slows down.  This can lead to weight problems, which shortens their lifespan and increases their risk for health issues (arthritis/mobility problems, heart issues, diabetes, etc.).  It’s important to monitor your pet’s calorie intake (switching to a lower calorie diet if needed) and to keep your pet active.  On the flip side, some geriatric patients have trouble maintaining their weight and may need calorie dense foods, vitamins, or supplements added to their diet.  You should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian if you are having trouble controlling your pet’s weight.  There are diseases that can seem to inexplicably cause your pet to lose or gain extra pounds.

Make environmental changes as necessary.  Consider your pets lifestyle and needs, and what you can do make getting older easier for them.

-Providing a comfy, heated bed for your pet can help to ease arthritis pain, especially on cold or rainy days.  Arthritis pain may also make it difficult to jump up on to the furniture, get into the car, or access the litter box.   Consider getting specially designed ramps or pet steps, and switch out litter boxes for ones with lower sides. 

-Place necessities (bed/food/water/litter) close by so they don’t have to travel far to get to them.  If they have to go all the way into the basement to access the litter box and then back upstairs to get to their food and water, and going up and down the stairs makes them feel achy, they may decide to go to the bathroom somewhere more convenient (like the bathroom rug), or start eating and drinking less leading to weight loss and dehydration.

-It is important to keep older pets active and mentally stimulated. Daily exercise helps keep joints from getting stiff, slows the progression of joint degeneration, and helps prevent memory loss. However, they will likely tire out faster and have decreased exercise tolerance compared to when they were young.  Keep play sessions and walks short, but increase their frequency. For example, take two short walks daily instead of one long one. Food puzzle toys are a great way to provide mental stimulation and keep the mind sharp, regardless of your pet’s age.

-Older pets may have trouble grooming themselves and require more frequent brushing, bathing, and nail trims. They may also not be able to wait as long to go outside to the bathroom, especially with certain diseases, and need to go outside more often.

If you have any questions or concerns about your senior pet, please don’t hesitate to call!  We can help to formulate a plan for your pet and their needs to help keep them as healthy as possible, as long as possible!